President Donald Trump came out brawling in his first public comments here ahead of NATO's annual summit, accusing a close U.S. ally of being "a captive of Russia" and all-but ordering members of the alliance to increase their defense spending "immediately".

Trump told NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg that Germany was wrong to support a new Baltic Sea pipeline to import Russian gas while being slow to meet targets for contributing to NATO defence spending meant to protect Europe from Russia.

Mr Trump appeared to be referring to the Nord Stream 2 pipeline that would bring gas from Russian Federation to Germany's north-eastern Baltic coast, bypassing Eastern European nations like Poland and Ukraine and doubling the amount of gas Russian Federation can send directly to Germany.

U.S. President Donald Trump gestures while speaking to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during their bilateral breakfast, Wednesday, July 11, 2018 in Brussels, Belgium.

"I have North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, I have the United Kingdom, which is in somewhat turmoil, and I have Putin. That's a fundamental inconsistency in the pro-NATO position", Mr. Desch said. "We have highlighted the importance of this diversification of supplies to make sure that our energy systems are resilient".

Trump has repeatedly criticized alliance members for their levels of defense spending ahead of the meeting.

Trump is expected to slam the alliance as he calls for European nations to spend more on defence.

"The United States continues to devote more resources to the defense of Europe when the Continent's economy, including Germany's, are doing well and security challenges abound".

Prominent local politician among Pakistan's bomb blast victims
Mohammad Khurasani, a spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban, said in a statement that they targeted ANP's rally, killing Bilour. Another party worker, Yaseen Khan, said a deafening explosion rocked the compound as Bilour shook hands with supporters.

Tensions Escalate as US-China Trade Tariffs Take Effect
Products that the U.S. is now fighting trade disputes over include Argentinian textiles, India solar panels and European cheese. Trump has threatened to hit back with vehicle tariffs of 20%, which would be highly damaging for the German auto industry.

"Russia continues to say they had nothing to do with Meddling in our Election!", he tweeted last month before tearing into the Federal Bureau of Investigation and its former director James Comey.

"You tell me, is that appropriate?" he asked. "He may be the only one, but that's OK with me", he said.

And he vowed not to be "taken advantage" of by the European Union, which he accuses of relying on the United States for defence while restricting USA imports into the bloc, the world's biggest market. But we can not be taken advantage of. Not fair to the USA taxpayer. "It is always worth knowing who is your strategic friend and who is your strategic problem".

John Kelly, Mr Trump's chief of staff, and Mike Pompeo, his secretary of state, sat silently alongside Mr Trump as he delivered the criticism across the table to Mr Stoltenberg.

"We're supposed to be guarding against Russia and Germany goes out and pays billions and billions of dollars a year to Russia", Trump said.

The host Olga Skabeeva opened the segment with footage of Trump and Melania getting on their Europe-bound plane together, holding hands.

It'll mark the second visit to the alliance by Trump, who used his first appearance in May 2017 to try to browbeat fellow leaders into ramping up military spending. "Explain that. And it can't be explained", Trump said.

Trump interjected, asking Stoltenberg why he thought that had happened. "Who would think? Who would think?" the president said outside the White House before his departure. Kay Bailey Hutchison, said last week that the goal of the summit is to project unity.

Trump authorized an initial $50 billion in tariffs - including the $34 billion that took effect Friday - to match those losses. The tariffs could take effect after public consultations end on August 30, according to a statement from the U.S.

Despite winning the Premier League at a canter last season, City have struggled to land their top targets in the transfer market. Leicester will receive around £60m for the Algeria worldwide - some way short of their £80m asking price in January.

The government appealed the sentence, and they were later given the maximum terms of five years in prison. The Malheur 7, as they came to be known, were later acquitted of the government's charges by a jury.

Elon Musk posted photos and video from inside the cave in Thailand where four boys and their soccer coach remain trapped. One diver was in front, holding an oxygen tank for the boy and another diver was behind ensuring the safety of the boy.

Both goalkeepers made early saves in the shootout, with an injured Danijel Subasic stopping the opening shot from Fyodor Smolov. But then, with just five minutes to go, Mario Fernandes played the role of hero, heading home a set piece to make it 2-2.

Mr Khan said he supported the decision taken by the Greater London Authority, adding that it was not for him to be a "censor". Over 10,000 citizens signed the petition to let it fly, which the mayor finally agreed to, seeing it as a "peaceful protest".

The device could be used to rescue one boy at a time as it has space to fit in one person with his arms crossed, he said. Over the weekend, the Thai government successfully rescued four boys who had been trapped in the cave since June 23.

About 1,800 people were evacuated from the affected areas by Monday night, over 11,000 people were staying in special shelters. Emergency service workers pass a damaged road following a landslide, on July 10, 2018 in Yanohigashi near Hiroshima, Japan .

A fellow judge there, Maryanne Trump Barry, one of the president's sisters, reportedly has recommended him to her brother. It wasn't just Supreme Court nominees who needed 60 votes - federal judges and cabinet secretaries needed them as well.

Teenager who posted dance videos on social media…
Earlier this year, a city official in Mashhad was arrested after footage emerged of men and women dancing at a mall in the city. Several people on social media have spoken up in support of Hojabri, and against the overall situation in Iran.

Arsenal announce signing of Sampdoria midfielder Lucas Torreira
The player will not arrive until next month following a period of rest after the World Cup. 'I want to win titles, titles, titles. The 22-year-old was outstanding in Uruguay's run to the quarter-finals in Russian Federation and joins on a five-year-deal.

Kate Middleton Wows In White Dress For Prince Louis’ Christening
While some fans might have expected Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to be chosen for this role, the newlyweds did not make the cut. According to reports , Queen Elizabeth II then asked her personal dresser Angela Kelly for a replica of the gown to be made.

Serena Williams rallies to reach Wimbledon semifinals
Kerber is a former No. 1 who owns two Grand Slam titles and was the runner-up to Williams at Wimbledon two years ago. Kerber and Kasatkina are the only two women to reach the second week at all three majors this year.

Xiaomi gets off to a slow start with Hong Kong IPO
The IPO opened at a price of HK $16.60 (about $2.12 USD) per share which is a fair amount below the original IPO value of HK $17. Founded in 2010, Xiaomi was the fifth biggest smartphone maker in the world past year , according to research firm IDC.

Hurricane Chris forms in Atlantic Ocean
Tropical Storm Chris is shown off the eastern coast of North and SC , U.S., in this satellite image July 9, 2018 at 16:12 UTC. There were no coastal watching or warnings in effect as of Tuesday afternoon.

8 boys freed from Thai cave; rescuers working to save 5 others
Heavy rain soaked the area overnight, increasing the risks in what has been called a "war with water and time" to save the boys . He tweeted Sunday evening the group was en route to Thailand with the device and would reach the destination in about 17 hours.

President Trump Picks Brett Kavanaugh for Supreme Court
All four federal judges have the endorsement of major Republican legal groups, most importantly the powerful Federalist Society . John Kennedy of Louisiana said he was bracing for a tough confirmation battle as Democrats focus on abortion.

Here's what Susan Collins said about Trump's Supreme Court pick
Gorsuch's nomination became possible because McConnell blocked Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland to fill a vacancy in 2016. Bush , has been tapped to replace Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy , a longtime swing vote for whom Kavanaugh once clerked.

India eye top ODI spot in series against England
For support he had KL Rahul during a 41-run second-wicket stand and Kohli in an 81-run association for the third wicket. England's openers have gone hard at the bowlers from the start, while India have been far more circumspect.